Wrong-way driver hurt in Monroe County crash

3/28/2010

MILAN, Mich. - A 23-year-old man from Dundee, Mich., who drove the wrong way on U.S. 23 was critically injured early Saturday after his car struck a concrete abutment as he fled police, authorities say.

Milan police saw Kyle Eugene Harris traveling south in the highway's northbound lane at about

2:15 a.m. yesterday near Carpenter Road.

As officers attempted to stop him, Mr. Harris initially slowed but then accelerated the Honda Civic he was driving. Police lost sight of the car north of Plank Road, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office said.

Investigators said they believe Mr. Harris soon drove off the roadway and onto the west shoulder, where his vehicle struck the concrete.

Mr. Harris was in critical condition yesterday at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ypsilanti, Mich., a hospital spokesman said.

The incident is under investigation, and it was unknown whether alcohol was a factor in the crash, deputies said.

Mr. Harris, the car's only occupant, wore a seat belt.